There is no need to start solids before 6 months of age, however solids can be started between 4-6 months, depending on a baby’s readiness. These lists will help you determine what’s right for your child.
Signs that a baby is ready to start solids:
*They imitate their caregiver (open their mouth) and stare at food (watch you eat).
*They reach for food on your plate- grasp and pull things towards their mouth.
*They become unsatisfied after eating/shortening the interval between feedings.
*Have the ability to turn away when they have eaten enough– an important cue.
*Babies do not overeat, if they want more, give them more (even if it seems like too much).
*They are able to sit with support (ie in a high chair).
Why wait until 4 months?
*A baby’s intestines needs time to mature.
*Babies have an extrusion reflex. If they are not ready to take solids, as food touches the tip of their tongue, they will push it out rather than swallow it. This disappears between 4-7 months.
How do you do it?
*Between 4-6 months of age, solids supplement breast milk or formula.
*After 6 months of age, a gradual decrease in the amount of breast milk/formula is expected.
*For breast fed babies, it is important to provide iron rich foods after 6 months of age (includes baby cereals and pureed meats).
*Start with one meal in the morning, when babies are most interactive, hungriest and you can monitor for signs of allergy.
*Wait 3-4 days in between each new food that you introduce.
*Don’t rush: feeding is also a social experience.
*Feed babies until THEY tell you they are done. Do not force feed or use distraction.
*Start with rice cereal or oatmeal and wait 3-4 days in between each new food.
*Expect stool patterns to change.
*The order of foods that are introduced does not matter.
*Be flexible! A baby’s appetite may vary day to day. Never force feed and expect a mess. This will teach baby’s to eat when they are hungry and stop when they are full.
Possible signs of allergy:
*Hives/eczema is the most common.
*Vomiting specifically associated with a particular food.
*Red rash/blistering rash around anus.
What foods and when?
*4-6 months: baby cereal, stage 1 fruits/vegetables.
*6-9 months: stage 2 fruits/vegetables, yogurt, baby cereal, pureed meats.
*9 months: table foods plus purees, meat, poultry, fish, egg yolk, and cheerios. Mild spices are okay.
*1 year: anything and everything (provided it is not a choking hazard, like whole grapes, hot dogs, or hard nuts).
